Govt launches ₹10,900 cr EV subsidy scheme; fund to secure e-bus payments
Overview: The Indian government has launched the PM E-Drive scheme, allocating ₹10,900 crore to promote electric vehicles (EVs) as part of the third phase of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) policy. This initiative aims to bolster the adoption of electric buses, while subsidies for electric and hybrid cars have been discontinued.
Key Components of the PM E-Drive Scheme:
- Electric Buses:The scheme focuses primarily on electric buses, offering subsidies to deploy 14,028 units.
- Convergence Energy Solutions Ltd (CESL) will manage demand aggregation across nine major cities.
- A subsidy of ₹10,000 per kWh of battery capacity is allocated for each bus, totaling ₹4,391 crore.
- Subsidies for Other Vehicles:₹2,679 crore will be allocated to subsidize 2.48 million electric two-wheelers and 316,000 electric three-wheelers.
- An additional ₹500 crore each will be dedicated to electric trucks and hybrid ambulances. The incentives for ambulances focus on hybrids to ensure reliability, while those for trucks are conditional on the possession of a vehicle scrapping certificate.
- Charging Infrastructure:₹2,000 crore is earmarked to establish extensive charging infrastructure, including:
- 22,100 fast chargers for four-wheelers
- 1,800 fast chargers for buses
- 48,400 fast chargers for two-wheelers and three-wheelers in high EV penetration cities.
- Payment Security Mechanism Fund (PSMF):A PSMF of ₹3,435 crore will be set up to reduce financial risks for bus operators, supporting the deployment of 38,000 electric buses.
- Digital Vouchers for EV Buyers:E-vouchers authenticated through Aadhaar will be introduced for EV buyers to claim demand incentives. This process aims to streamline reimbursement for manufacturers and ensure that incentives are efficiently utilized.
Excluded Categories:
- The scheme notably excludes subsidies for electric cars, including electric cabs, which is a setback for major manufacturers like Tata Motors.
Implications: The PM E-Drive scheme reflects a strong governmental push towards electrifying public transport and enhancing infrastructure, reinforcing India’s commitment to sustainable mobility and reducing emissions.
Question: What is output range of fast chargers for electric vehicles?
- 2-3 kW
- 7-200 kW
- 1000-2000 kW
- 500-700 kW
'Ayushman Bharat Insurance Scheme Now Covers Those Above 70': Modi 3.0
Delivers On Big Campaign Promise
The Indian government has approved the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to provide universal health coverage for senior citizens aged 70 and above. This move aims to enhance the geriatric care provided to India’s aging population, offering significant health insurance benefits regardless of income.
Key Features of the Scheme:
- Eligibility and Coverage:All senior citizens aged 70 and above will be eligible for coverage under AB PM-JAY, irrespective of their socio-economic status.
- The plan provides free health insurance of up to ₹5 lakh per year on a family basis, benefiting approximately 4.5 crore families and 6 crore senior citizens.
- New AB PM-JAY Cards:Eligible senior citizens will receive a special card under AB PM-JAY to avail themselves of the scheme's benefits.
- Additional Top-Up Coverage:Senior citizens already covered under AB PM-JAY will receive an additional top-up of up to ₹25 lakh per year for themselves.
- Choice of Insurance Plans:Senior citizens aged 70 and above who are already enrolled in other public health insurance schemes, such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), have the option to continue with their current plan or switch to AB PM-JAY.
Implications: This initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring comprehensive health coverage for India’s elderly population, reducing out-of-pocket expenses for medical care, and enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens. The government's commitment to providing financial protection and healthcare support underscores its focus on addressing the unique needs of the elderly.
Question: Explain are the effects of PM-JAY?
